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RULES

Some rules have changed! Please read closely!

GENERAL INFORMATION

Official online entries must be completed in their entirety. Studio owners/directors must check the release clause at checkout. ENTRIES MUST BE received in our office 45 days prior to the event date to receive discounts and promotional offers. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be limited to the amount of performance time available. A late fee will be applied after the deadline date. No entries are considered “registered” until paid in full, nor will any entries be allowed to take the stage without full payment. Only Visa, Master Card, or EFT Debit transactions will be accepted. The deadline for category/competition changes is 2 weeks prior to the event date. No changes will be accepted after this date without a late fee applied. AMP reserves the right to add additional competition days or move the competition location due to unforeseen circumstances. AMP also reserves the right to cancel any event that does not meet the minimal number of acceptable entries. In the event this should occur, all entry fees will be refunded. There will be NO refunds on entries after the minimum numbers of entries have been received and the competition has been confirmed. If AMP has to cancel due to natural disaster/weather, AMP will reschedule the event within the same season. If you are unable to attend the newly scheduled event, AMP will refund 50% of your fees, OR you may choose to receive 100% credit for a future event. Credit must be used within 3 years of receiving. Admission is free and the general public is welcomed. Doors will open exactly 45 minutes prior to the first performance time. For the start of the day, please do NOT arrive earlier that 45 minutes as you will be asked to wait outside while the venue and AMP staff prepares for our event. NO VIDEO OR FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY – A professional service will be provided at AMP events. This includes picture and video of all routines. Therefore no video or photography may be taken. This includes on your cellular devices. Please pass this information along to your students, parents, and families. This is done to protect the rights of the choreographer, to protect the children’s safety and to make it possible for AMP to provide studios with their full media services/packages. Failure to comply with this rule may result in confiscation of the recordings and disqualification all special and overall High Point Awards. It is the responsibility of the studio owner/director to inform their students and parents of the NO Photo/Video rule. No food, drinks or smoking is allowed in the competition performance area or inside the contracted venue. All participating teachers, dancers and spectators are expected to display good sportsmanship. For the safety of our dancers, and the focus of our judges, please NO airhorns or noisemakers of any kind in the audience. We encourage your support but please cheer with your applause and voices only. No student may compete under two or more studios. Failure to comply could result in immediate disqualification and loss of privileges to participate in future AMP Competitions.

CATEGORIES

Categories: Solos (limit of 2 per dancer), Duet/Trios (duets and trios will compete against each other), Small Group (4-9 performers), Large Group (10-17 performers), Super Line (18 or more performers), Production (25 or more performers).

TIME LIMITS

Time Limits: All Solos, Duet/Trios must be limited to 2:45 minutes. Small Groups must be limited to 3:00 minutes. All Large Groups and Super Lines must be limited to 4:00 minutes. Production performances have a 7:00 minute time limit for performance and a combined total of 4:00 minutes for set-up and removal of props. Extended time is available (up to 1:00 minute for a fee of $5.00 per performer) for Small Group, Large Groups, Super Lines and Productions. Routines that don’t comply with these time limits may result in a deduction. Dancers are expected to perform in the order published, unless the Competition Director grants special permission or it has been pre-approved and documented by the office administration prior to the competition. Unauthorized delays of the performance schedule will result in a deduction per judge and/or disqualification. Dances not performing within 10 acts after their scheduled performance time will not be eligible for Overall High Point Awards, unless it has been pre-approved by the office administration or by the Competition Director. An act that re-performs will only be re-adjudicated if it experiences a technical error on AMP’s behalf. A tentative schedule with the performance time of each act will be available online. Contestants in the first 10 acts competing should arrive in full costume including hair and make-up and be ready to perform. All other competing dancers must be ready to perform one hour prior to their scheduled performance time. **If the competition is running ahead of schedule, dancers are expected to perform in order of the program and / or when called upon backstage. AMP will not allow the competition to run more than an hour ahead of schedule.

MUSIC

All music must be submitted online via “DanceBug” no later than two weeks from event date. Please bring a back-up flash drive with all competition entries in order of performance. No profanity or strong vulgar content of any kind will be tolerated at any AMP Dance Competition.

AGE DIVISIONS

We have added a NEW age category! Please welcome our BITTIES! BITTIES must be entered in our NEW BEAT Level ONLY.  Age Divisions are as follows: Bitty: 3-6 Mini: 7-9. Junior: 10-12. Teen: 13-15. Senior: 16-19. AGE DIVISIONS ARE DETERMINED AS OF JANUARY 1ST CUT OFF. Teachers and Professionals are not eligible for Overall High Point awards. The average age will determine the age group for Duet/Trios, Groups, Super Lines and Productions. When determining the average age of an act, always drop the decimal. The average age of each entry must not drop more than one age division below the age of the oldest dancer in the entry, regardless of the actual average age. Example; an entry contains dancers ranging in age 10-17, the entry may not compete younger that the Teen Category (one division younger than the oldest dancer; 17). This does not apply to Productions – Average age will determine where all productions are placed. Routines are allowed to “age up” (compete in an age category higher than the average age) at the teacher’s/studio owner’s discretion.

LEVELS AND GUIDELINES

UP BEAT LEVEL: This level is for those whose star shines the brightest! A category specifically designed for those who want to smile BIG and be part of a team. Whether you are beginning your dance journey or are more advanced, this “UP Beat” level provides an accessible and safe environment for YOU to grow, develop, and thrive. This category will serve, uplift, and empower those with special needs and developmental disabilities. AMP is committed to building the best community and the UP Beat Level will focus on the dancers strengths and talents within the special needs community through art, music and passion!

NEW BEAT LEVEL: This level is designed for our dancers who are just beginning their dance training and competitive journey. This category is STRICTLY for beginner dancers who train at a recreational level. Though this is at the discretion of the studio owner/director, AMP reserves the right to bump routines to the next level if they feel they do not belong in the NEW BEAT division. We want this category to be fair and non-intimidating to our new dancers, and encourage a healthy introduction to the competitive experience. If two or more judges feel the routine should be bumped up, it will be moved to the Low Frequency Level. A studio representative will be called down to be made aware of the change prior to awards. 75% of your participating dancers in group/line numbers must be New Beat  level dancers in order to compete in this category. No High Frequency level dancers are allowed to compete in New Beat Level dances.

LOW FREQUENCY LEVEL: This level is for your beginner and intermediate dancers who have had some, but minimal competitive experience, and should be determined at the discretion of the studio owner/director. This level is for the dancer who only trains up to 6 hours a week; however this is just a suggested guideline and age and technical ability should be taken highly into consideration. For example, if your student only trains 5 hours a week but is executing triple pirouettes, power acro skills, advanced flexibility, jump and turn sequences, then your dancer should be in our High Frequency division regardless of hours trained in a week. 75% of your participating dancers in group/line numbers must be Low Frequency level dancers in order to compete in this category.

HIGH FREQUENCY LEVEL: This level is for your advanced dancers and should be determined at the discretion of the studio owner/director. This level is for the experienced competitor or a dancer who trains over 6 hours a week. Age and technical ability should be taken into consideration. Routines can always choose to compete up.

STYLE OF DANCE

* There are no restrictions on the number of “tricks” or “acro moves” allowed in your routine regardless of style.

BALLET/POINTE – Performance should contain ballet technique incorporating classic movements. Ballet or Point shoes must be worn. Barefoot is NOT allowed in this style.

JAZZ – Performance must consist of jazz technique; splits and floor rolls are permissible.

TAP – Performance consisting primarily of tap technique. Tap shoes must be worn.

LYRICAL – Performance consisting of dynamic emotion and expressive movements demonstrated with fluidity, balance, extension and control. ALL LYRICAL ROUTINES MUST CONTAIN LYRICS IN THE MUSIC. All routines performing to instrumental music will be moved to the contemporary or open category.

CONTEMPORARY – Performance that combines both lyrical and modern movements.

MUSICAL THEATRE – Performance featuring any style of dance from a Broadway, Movie or Television Show.

HIP HOP/FUNK – Performance demonstrating street style of jazz that incorporates hip-hop and/or funk choreography. Acrobatics and break dancing are permissible.

OPEN – Performance demonstrating any dance style or combination of dance styles.

SPECIALTY – Consists of all other categories such as acro/gymnastics, ballroom, clogging, novelty, ethnic, etc

PRODUCTION – Performance must utilize at least 25 dancers incorporating any style of dance that portrays a theme or storyline throughout. Production performances have a 7:00 minute time limit for performance and given a maximum of 4:00 minutes total for set-up and removal of props. NO EXCEPTIONS (unless extended time was purchased).

PERFORMANCE RULES

Dancers must perform in their scheduled order unless permission is given for costume changes. Competition will not be delayed for performers or teachers rehearsing numbers. Points will be deducted from acts that do not comply. Dancers who do not perform within 10 acts of their scheduled time will be ineligible for Overall High Point awards. The only exception to this rule is if the AMP office administration has prior notification or the Competition Director has pre-approved the delay. If the stage is littered during an act, please be ready to clean it up immediately following the performance. In addition, dancers must perform their ENTIRE act on the stage. Performer may not enter or exit the stage from anywhere other than the wings. Starting the performance from the audience or ending in the audience is also not permitted. Jumping off the front of the stage is not permitted. Running in front of the judges’ table or approaching the panel of judges is also not allowed. For safety purposes, props and performers should never come within 1 foot from the edge of the stage. Special stage or house lighting will not be provided for any performance. Rehearsing on stage prior to the start of a competition or after the completion of a competition day is strictly prohibited. At no time are teachers, parents or dancers allowed to practice, rehearse or meet on stage.

Any changes made after FINAL schedule is released will incur a $50 fee per change. This includes changes made at the event. These include: 

  • Music file submitted on site 
  • Change of level 
  • Change of age division 
  • Change of division type 
  • Change of category (this includes if AMP needs to change from Lyrical to Contemporary due to our “lyrics” rule. All Lyrical entries must contain lyrics. If this is moved at the competition, this fee will apply.) 
  • Addition or deletion of performers

*By not abiding by the previously stated rules, this may result in a deduction from each judge.

NO PHOTO/VIDEO RULE

The use of ANY electronic device for photography and videography is STRICTLY PROHIBITED during all performances as well as in dressing rooms and restrooms. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a point deduction to the performance being recorded and/or photographed as well as confiscation of the recordings and/or photographs. In addition, any spectator that fails to comply with our No Photo/Video rule may be escorted and removed from the event. It is the responsibility of the Studio Owner/Director to inform their students and parents of the NO Photo/Video rule. All contestants grant permission for AMP to use photography and videography of their performances for promotional purposes including advertising, publicity and posting on social media outlets.

SAFETY

AMP and the hosting facility are not responsible for any kind of damage, loss or injury sustained by contestants or spectators or their property while attending any area of the venue premises. Dancers competing take certain inherent risks when involved in any physical activity. Participation in this competition indicates the acceptance of such risks by the performers. Therefore, upon registration to any AMP event, it is agreed that participants will not hold AMP Dance LLC, its directors or employees responsible for injuries that occur or illnesses that may be contracted during the competition event. Studio Owner/Directors agree to adhere to the Release of Liability Clause which is completed during the registration process.Due to AMP being a public event, AMP encourages all attendees to:

  • Supervise children at all times
  • Be responsible for personal belongings
  • Be aware of surroundings
  • Inform an AMP employee of unsuitable or suspicious activity

FAMILY FRIENDLY

AMP realizes that dance and art cross a broad range of styles, taste and appropriateness. However, AMP is a family event and we are determined to set some sort of standard to make sure inappropriate routines are penalized or disqualified. At a minimum, these routines should not be rewarded with the highest scores of the competition. To handle this, AMP has set up a “Family Viewing” system. It’s simple: Each judge can voice “This routine might not be AMP friendly”. For each judge that voices this opinion, there will be a 1-point deduction from a routine’s total score. So, if two judges check this box, a routine’s score would drop 2 whole points. If all three judges check the box, the routine will be disqualified. Again, this is not a perfect science. AMP’s opinion might be too relaxed for some and too strict for others. We can only do what we think is right. In the event that a routine is deducted points due to appropriateness, a studio representative will be asked to come speak with Show Director for further discussion. This is a work in progress but we feel that it’s a step in the right direction. As always, we welcome your feedback!

PROP RULES

No form of liquid, gel, aerosol, glitter, powder may be used that would affect the dancing surface. If the stage is littered during an act, please be ready to clean it up immediately following the performance. When sliding props or moving scenery, you must use sliders or other precautionary tools to not damage the marley dance floor. If marley floor is damaged beyond repair, the studio owner/director will be responsible for its replacement. Hanging backdrops and special lighting may not be used. Fire, swords, knives, and use of live animals are prohibited. Helium balloons are only allowed if they are weighted and if permitted by the venue. If the weight of a prop exceeds the maximum weight limit for a built stage, or the Competition Director feels the weight of the prop is a safety hazard, the dancers will not be allowed to use the prop. Props must be loaded in and out of the venue on the same day they will be used. Storing props in the wings or backstage is not allowed. AMP will not be responsible for props left overnight or unattended. Any special request for the assembling of props must be discussed with the Competition Director upon arrival to the venue. All props backstage MUST be labeled with the studio name for identification purposes. *Any violation of the above rules in the routine being ineligible for any high score awards and will be announced for adjudication ONLY.

JUDGING

You spoke, we listened. NEW this year – One judge on the panel is for Teachers and Studio Owners only. This judge is there to dig a little deeper into choreography, costuming, content, staging and training tips for the Teachers ONLY! We hope that this will provide the teacher’s with feedback to continue growth from the teacher side of things. The other two judges will be speaking for to the dancers to help with routine cleanliness, technique advice, performance tips and timing. These comments will always stay constructive and positive for the students to grow and learn from.

A pre-determined panel of judges will judge contestants, and all entrants agree that all decisions of the judges are final. All entrants agree that the time, manner and method of judging the competition will be solely within the discretion of the Directors and Producers of AMP Dance Competition.  All score sheets will be available to studio owners/directors only. Each performance will be evaluated on the following five elements: 1.) Technique – 40 points total 2.) Stage Presence – 25 points total 3.) Choreography – 20 points total 4.) Timing and Music – 10 points total 5.) Difficulty – 5 points total There is a maximum of 100 points per judge. Ties will not be broken for the general competition awards. However, all ties will be broken for Overall High Point Awards. Judges’ score sheets and critiques are confidential and are given out to studio owners and teachers ONLY. All Score Sheets and critiques can be received through the AMP registration/studio page.

GENERAL AWARDS

NEW BEAT LEVEL, LOW FREQUENCY LEVEL, HIGH FREQUENCY LEVEL and UP BEAT LEVEL: Each act that performs will receive a score from a panel of three pre-determined judges at Regional competitions. New Beat dances will receive an adjudication award of Extreme Voltage, High Voltage, Voltage or Amp. Low and High frequency & Up Beat dances will receive an Adjudication award of Blown Speaker, Extreme Voltage, High Voltage, Voltage, and Amp. Here at AMP we do give out ALL adjudication levels.

From there, a category winner will be announced in each category for solos, duo/trios, and a “Best in Style” for group numbers. All routines will receive an adjudication announcement and an award. Although acts are competing against an adjudicated point system for general awards, all contestants will compete against each other for the Overall High Point awards. If there is only one act competing in a particular division, that act will be judged against a point system. The scoring range of that particular competition determines the point break for all given awards. A top 10 for overall highpoints will be rewarded in the solo, duet/trio, small group, large group, super line/production divisions. A routine in a very high scoring category could easily make the top ten overalls though they were not announced as a category winner or Best in Style winner.

HIGH POINT EMBLEMS: High Point Emblems will be presented to the top scoring Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group and Super Line/Production in New Beat, Low Frequency, High Frequency and Up Beat levels. A minimum of 2 entries in each division is required to receive a high point emblem. AMP Cash will be awarded to the highest scoring solo, duet/trio, small group, large group, and super line/production in each age division. A minimum of 5 entries in each division is required for AMP Cash awards to be given to the overall winner. All AMP cash will be applied to your studios registration for the following year. AMP Cash can NOT be used for lobby merchandise. All acts must perform on the same day OR before their awards ceremony to be eligible for Overall High Point Awards. Any act, which does not compete during or prior to their scheduled awards segment, will only receive their general award. Overall High Point awards will be divided into 5 age divisions: Bitty 3 to 6, Mini 7 to 9, Junior 10 to 12, Teen 13 to 15, Senior 16 above. The exact same Solo, Duet/Trio contestants may place only once in the Overall High Point Awards. Should an act drop below the minimum number requirement for the group size during the competition, it will compete for adjudication only and is ineligible for Overall High Point Awards. Should an act drop below the minimum number requirement for the group size after the program is printed and AMP is notified before the start of the competition, the act may compete in the appropriate division and time for eligibility.
The following High Point Awards will be given…
Top 1 High Point is given if there are only 2-4 routines in that total category (Level, Age, Group Size)
Top 3 High Point is given if there are only 5-8 routines in that total category (Level, Age, Group Size)
Top 5 High Point is given if there are only 9-13 routines in that total category (Level, Age, Group Size)
Top 10 High Point is given if there are 14-29 routines in that total category (Level, Age, Group Size)
Top 20 High Point is given if there are 30 or more routines in that category (Level, Age, Group Size)
ADDITIONAL AWARDS

AMP SCHOLARSHIP– This scholarship is presented to one or more outstanding soloist. Each winner receives a full solo entry scholarship to attend any AMP event the following consecutive year only. The AMP Scholarship is non-transferrable and cannot be redeemed for studio credit.

COSTUME AWARD – The judges will select a winner based on design, originality, fit & routine appropriateness. This will be in the solo category, duet/trio category, and groups/super lines/ productions category.

DIFFICULTY AWARD – The judges will select a winner based on the execution of difficulty in technique and choreography. This will be in the solo category, duet/trio category, and groups/super lines/productions category.

CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD – This award will be presented to the choreographer who has displayed exceptional choreography with their solo, duet/trio, group, super line or production performances. The dances with the most nominations by the panel of judges will be deemed the winner of this award.

MOST ENTERTAINING AWARD – This award will be chosen by the panel of judges and presented to the Solo, Duet/Trio, Group and/or Line deemed to be most entertaining.

TECHNIQUE AWARD – This award will be chosen by the panel of judges and presented to the Solo, Duet/Trio, Group and/or Line deemed to showcase outstanding technical ability.

WELL ROUNDED STUDIO AWARD – Here at AMP, we want to acknowledge those studios who are truly providing their dancers with a full rounded education and training their students in multiple genres of dance. All studios who qualify for this award, will receive recognition with our Golden Record Award. In addition the winner will receive AMP Cash. This AMP Cash will be given to the studio that participates in group routines with at least 5 different styles of dance and has the highest average score. At least 5 different styles of the following must be performed: Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical/Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Open, Specialty, Hip Hop, Tap. We will award a Low Frequency and High Frequency Well Rounded Studio Award.